Your Back-to-School Gluten-Free Lunchbox Guide

By Nicki Porter

August 17, 2015August 17, 2015

We hate to say it, but it’s time to say goodbye to summer and send the kids back to school. The one bright side about the threat of cooler weather on the horizon? Back-to-school shopping. There’s something about spending a day picking out new clothes, notebooks and freshly sharpened number-two pencils that makes the idea of fall a little easier to swallow.

But packing a gluten-free lunch for your child can be a challenge, especially if your child is newly diagnosed. Don’t let lunchtime get you down: This collection of lunch boxes, accessories and snacks will get you through the school year in style.

From Goldfish to Cheez-Its, cheesy crackers are practically a lunchtime rite of passage. Give your child his own crunchy, cheddary experience with these tasty gluten-free crackers from Van’s. For easier bleary-eyed lunch assembly, choose the individual packaged “Snack Pack” variety.

Go Organically Fruit Snacks

Your child may be a fan of fruit snacks, but you may not be a fan of high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colorings. Rest a little easier with these organic fruit snacks from Go Organically. Made with organic cane sugar and real fruit juices, these certified gluten-free, non-GMO snacks are enriched with vitamins A, C, and E.

These mini packs of Snyder’s gluten-free pretzel sticks make snacking easy for the whole family. At just 100 calories each, they’re the perfect size for tucking into lunchboxes, slipping in briefcases or stashing in an office drawer.

Superbutter To-Go Cups

As peanuts and tree nuts become increasingly banned from school lunch tables, it’s nice to have a nutty spread on hand that won’t cause any cafeteria issues. These individual cups of seed-based SuperButter make a perfect nut-free dip for gluten-free crackers or celery.

Back-to-School Sandwich Tin

Skip the disposable sandwich baggies and pack your child’s gluten-free sandwich in this fun sandwich tin instead. It’s large enough to hold one sandwich or a small snack.

Gluten-Free Snack Box

If your local grocery store doesn’t have much by way of a gluten-free snack selection, consider stocking up with this gluten-free snack box from Amazon. If your child is newly diagnosed, it could also be a good way to quickly stock the pantry and find out what your child likes.

GoGo Squeez Applesauce

GoGo Squeez offers a portable applesauce snack that’s way more fun than those standard foil-topped cups. You’ll never pack another spoon again.

Justin's Snack Packs

Half salty gluten-free pretzels, half creamy Justin’s nut butter, 100% delicious. And these portable snack packs are greener than most: each package is made out of recycled plastic bottles.

Start to Finish Dinner Plate

Younger kids deserve lunchtime fun, too. Make a game of mealtime with this innovative board game dinner plate. Hide a treat in the “finish line” compartment to give kids an incentive to eat their broccoli and brussels sprouts.

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